As officers and medical personnel arrived, they determined Mr. Boyd to be deceased with injuries that suggested foul play was involved. Expand. When he came around family, he would always put a smile on his face and just kissy, kissy, just loving type of son, he reminisced. More information about how to obtain copies of original death records . Crime & Safety. Dec. 28: Lisa Lewis, 36, of Champaign, shot multiple times in a car in the 2000 block of Moreland Boulevard, C; no arrests. The [], On October 6, 2020, at approximately 11:12 a.m., the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force and United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested DAndre Miller, 33, of Champaign, for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 3, 2020, homicide. There was a fire reported at his. Add new comment; Original article; Share News Clip; RELATED ARTICLES . Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Christensen was found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Police intervention fatalities include: Domestic violence suspects killed by law enforcement officers responding to intimate partner violence or threats of violence. Date of Occurrence: November 17, 2014, at approximately 10:00p.m. [18] On July 14 the reward was increased to $50,000. Description: Officers responded to reports of a possible shooting in the 1300 block of N. Chestnut. Champaign, IL: Yorkville, IL: U.S. Avg: Difference: Taxes Overall: Federal Income Tax: State Income Tax: Sales Tax (State & Local) Sales Tax on Food: Real property tax on median home: RE trans fee on median home (over 13 yrs) Auto sales taxes (amortized over 6 years) Annual Vehicle Property Taxes on $25K Car: Annual Auto Registration If your child will play baseball or softball this spring, youll need to stock up on appropriate clothing and equipment. Description: Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East Hill St. for the report of an individual believed to be deceased inside of a motor vehicle. [38][10] Evidence was provided that before Christensen abducted Zhang, he had posed as an undercover police officer and attempted to abduct graduate student Emily Hogan. Finally, the gun violence that is claiming so many young people in Champaign-Urbana and the nation must be addressed not only by police and social workers but by business people, faith leaders, teachers, youth and athletic groups, mentors, neighbors and others. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Population: 12,671,469 United States VIOLENT CRIMES Population: 331,888,310 Property Crime Property Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents) 100 75 50 25 0 14.84 National Median: 19 Illinois My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Property Crime 1 in 67 in Illinois Illinois Property CRIMES Population: 12,671,469 United States Property CRIMES The information below is shared with hope to gain new information from the public concerning unsolved homicide investigations. *For investigative purposes, police may delay posting open homicide investigations for 120 days following the incident. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021. Description: Officers discovered Mr. Hopkins inside of a private residence with a fatal gunshot wound. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by phone at: 217- 373-8477 (TIPS); online at, Suspect in Homicide Investigation Surrenders to Police. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)- The number of people murdered in the City of Champaign reached an all-time high in 2021. Perceptions of crime on trails vs. parks in minority neighborhoods as factors affecting recreation use. [34][35] Christensen pled not guilty at his arraignment on July 20, 2017. For the last few years, its been known there are these high-powered weapons in the community and many of them are possessed by people not allowed to have them, he said. Born in Vietnam, Reginald is a graduate of the . What a game', 'Craziness' of Illini helps secure double overtime win, Editorial | White Castle ruling leaves bad taste in business community's mouth, New Illini-centered name, image, likeness collective targets big-dollar donations, Man charged in connection with 35 pounds of cannabis in his home. Griffet is also assigned by his department to the U.S. Location of Occurrence: 00 100 block of Forsynthia Dr., Champaign. Christensen lured Zhang into his car at a bus stop on campus posing as a police officer with the . Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. As a result, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 18, 2019. He sent the pants to the Illinois State Police lab and they confirmed that it (came from) Keonte Campbell, said Newell, calling that just one significant piece of evidence that enabled police to link him to the shooting. The circumstances of Mary Ann Becker's death resulted in a homicide investigation involving multiple police agencies. According to police, on December 8, Police arrested Arieana F. Colbert,. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Google Maps Generator by embedgooglemap.net. We take a look at eight of the most famous homicides in the history of Illinois. Violent crimes include: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Mahomet has 2 large forest preserves, extremely convenient location to get to Champaign shopping, work, and downtown. The U.S. murder rate rose 30% between 2019 and 2020 - the largest single-year increase in more than a century, according to data published this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim. Feb. 3: Gaylend Allen-Davis, 33, of Champaign, shot in a car in the 1300 block of Mariner Way. Click here to see our subscription options. There were just about twice as many shots fired in Champaign County in 2020 as there were the year before. . Location of Occurrence: 700 block of Hickory St., Champaign According to our research of Illinois and other state lists, there were 133 registered sex offenders living in Champaign, Illinois as of March 04, 2023. In 2020, 57 were shot, and 34 in 2019. Meantime, area police departments are working with groups like the Community Coalition to provide resources to at-risk youth in hopes of reducing the number of gun crimes. #6 Best Places to Live in Champaign County. Team members will work to link people with resources and services available in the community. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. Urbana man charged with murder in 2019 shooting in west Champaign, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? Location of Occurrence: 100 block of S. Kenwood Rd., Champaign. Date of Occurrence: August 20, 2020, at approximately 1:51 a.m. GLEN ELLYN, IL It was over 30 years ago when 15-year-old Kristy Wesselman left her suburban home to pick up a candy bar and some soda from a nearby grocery store. Mr. Hobbs death was the first of two homicides by gunfire in 2019 in Champaign. [30], On June 30, the FBI arrested Christensen and charged him with kidnapping under Title 18 U.S.C. Adams County: Quincy Public Library Historical Newspaper Archive, 1835-1919; Adams County: Card Index to Deaths, 1877-1990 at FamilySearch Adams County: Greenmount Cemetery Burials in Quincy, Illinois Champaign is currently growing at a rate of 0.81% annually and its population has increased by 2.46% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 88,302 in 2020. Homicide of Montrez Vonner Date of Occurrence: March 11, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m. View Website. The 2019 Champaign crime rate rose by 17% compared to 2018. Description: On the morning of March 11, Officers responded to an area near a local club in the 700 block of Hickory St. for multiple reports of shots fired. He is the brother of Keith Campbell, 30, who is awaiting trial for murder in the July 2018 fatal shooting of Martez Taylor outside a house party in Urbana. 82 E. University Ave. Champaign Police Department If a photo is mailed in, please let us know if you would like it to be returned and include a return address. The 34-year-old female, identified as Ms. Cobb, succumbed to her injuries a short time after the incident occurred. AUTHOR TO TALK ABOUT 'BUCKET LIST' BOOK. Low 32F. November 8, 2019. And she suspects before, or sentenced to death", "Champaign Man Arrested, Charged with Kidnapping Visiting Scholar", "Flowers, anger, regret as accused kidnapper indicted", "Grand Jury Indicts Champaign Man on Charge of Kidnapping", "Accused kidnapper's attorney says he'll plead not guilty today", "Defense in trial of China scholar's brutal death: He did it", "In opening statement, attorney admits Brendt Christensen abducted, killed Chinese scholar at University of Illinois", "Brendt Christensen found guilty in Yingying Zhang's kidnapping, killing", "Life in prison for man convicted of killing Chinese student", "A father's plea to a killer: Tell us where our daughter's remains are", "Yingying Zhang's Family Told Her Body Likely In Landfill Near Danville, But 'May Be Impossible' To Recover", "Finding Yingying Zhang's Remains 'May Be Impossible' Family Says After New Details Surface", "Brendt Christensen Moved to Kentucky Prison to Serve Out Life Sentence", "UI again files motion to have lawsuit from slain scholar's family dismissed", "Visiting Scholar From China, Remembered With A Garden At U Of I", "Memorial garden dedicated to missing scholar Yingying Zhang", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Yingying_Zhang&oldid=1142917489, Anti-Chinese sentiment in the United States, Anti-Chinese violence in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles containing simplified Chinese-language text, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 5 March 2023, at 00:55. Please provide the name and date of birth of your loved one. Low 32F. The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Date of Occurrence: January 25, 1994, approximately 5:54p.m. Cain, was transported to the Champaign County Jail where he will remain. The fund will be used to support international students in crisis and their families. Its a sign of strength, he said. The schools are top notch with a highly involved community.. View nearby homes. He was never found. Location of Occurrence: 800 block of N. Randolph St., Champaign. Christensen was thus sentenced on July 18, 2019 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus 10 years. The Champaign County Coroner's office identified the victim as 14-year-old Steven Butler III. [9] She was considering entering a doctoral program at the University of Illinois. Nobody sits down and talks through a disagreement or tries to work out a compromise. Michigan leads Illinois 23-21 with 7:50 left in the first half. What a game', 'Craziness' of Illini helps secure double overtime win, Editorial | White Castle ruling leaves bad taste in business community's mouth, New Illini-centered name, image, likeness collective targets big-dollar donations, Man charged in connection with 35 pounds of cannabis in his home. A lot of it has to do with disagreements or past issues that were never really resolved, he said. Officer Tatman was pronounced deceased on the scene from an apparent gunshot wound. On scene, officers located Mr. Harrison inside the vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound. Feb 20, 2015 at 10:25 am. Steve Chen. Champaign, IL 162 contributions. Champaign violent crime is 37.9. Sometimes people have been as brazen as to, you know, mark their location and challenge somebody.. , University of . While most rates are declining, homicides tripled between 2018 and 2019. People who live in Champaign generally consider the south part of the city to be the safest for this type of crime. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Champaign, Illinois 61820-6914 (217) 819-5000 . Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. The 2019 Urbana crime rate fell by 11% compared to 2018. But some stressors will continue for some people. The CDC tracks murders by analyzing information contained in death . All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. Location of Occurrence: 200 block of E. Springfield Ave., Champaign. Larry Leon McNelly, 59, 9/10/2019 Tamms, Alexander County, IL - missing, found murdered: unsolved. [16][17] On June 19, the University of Illinois in conjunction with Champaign County Crime Stoppers, announced a reward of $40,000 for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the apparent kidnapping of Zhang. [12][31] According to the law, if a kidnapping results in the death of any person, life imprisonment or the death penalty is prescribed. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. 3354 Big Pine Trl Ste C, Champaign, IL 61822, 1807 S Neil St (at Fox Drive), Champaign, IL 61820. Location of Occurrence: 400 block of East Hill St., Champaign. Suicide deaths that happen in the context of an intimate partner violence-related murder-suicide. Taylor was transported to an area hospital, where days later he would pass from injuries sustained during the robbery. Champaign reported 827 violent crimes in 2020 (the same number as 2019), and Urbana reported a significant increase, from 124 incidents in 2019 to 214 in 2020. At 9:24p.m., an associate professor called police to report her missing. Police said an investigation done then suggested that an unknown person or people forced their way into the home and fired multiple rounds at Mr. Hobbs before fleeing. There were 11 homicides in the two . Electrical engineer and physicist; two time Nobel Prize winner in Physics. Long said that Zhang's body still being missing weighed against Christensen, and that Christensen was the last person to see Zhang. Everyone has a role. [28] Christensen's attorney Evan Bruno argued that he should be released on bail due to his lack of criminal record and his ties to the local community. RANTOUL - Mary Jane Bryan, 92, of Rantoul passed away Sunday (Feb. 19, 2023). A memorial sprung up outside the Gramercy Park apartments in Champaign after the May 21 early-morning fatal shooting of James Rooster Coleman. Feb 28, 2023 at 11:23 am. Upon arrival, Mr. McKinney was found lying in the open doorway of his home, with an apparent gunshot wound. Of the more than 200 shootings this year in Champaign County between January 1 and June 1, only 25 made it to her desk. The findings align with a separate tabulation of the nation's murder rate published in September by the FBI.. The black Saturn Astra was initially towed to a secure bay at the Champaign Police Department, and on June 18 was transported to the FBI Springfield Division's main office in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois State Police, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the Nokomis Police Department are seeking assistance regarding the homicide of Shana Marie Jaros, of Nokomis, Illinois. Two women were found shot in St. Joseph Township, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old . 1,374 views 0 comments 3 Gia Marie Wright Sep 14, 2018 8 min There were 11 homicides in the two cities, including nine in Champaign. A federal jury has found Brendt Christensen guilty. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. digital.media, The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana) Wed, 05/22/2019 - 5:00am Page 1; Page 2; . Bob . Non-emergency: 217-333-8911 Violent Crimes - Murder Rape Robbery Assault Property Crimes - Burglary Larceny Auto Theft Crime Rate per 100,000 Pop. Keying in on the individuals involved in gun crime activities, Coon explained. Date of Occurrence: July 9, 2000, approximately 12:38 a.m. URBANA An Urbana man has been charged with the murder three years ago of a Champaign man. The day after he killed Zhang, Christensen claimed he put Zhang's dismembered body in three separate garbage bags which he then disposed of in the dumpster outside of his apartment. He was last seen wearing a Black jacket and riding a bluish-purple bicycle. Miller was arrested in the 1100 block of North James Street, Champaign. [36], Christensen's trial began in June 2019 with his attorney, George Taseff, admitting in the opening statements that Christensen killed Zhang[37][38] and he was on "trial for his life" because he could face the death penalty. The investigation revealed the victims were outside of a private residence standing near a parked car when they were shot by unknown assailant(s) from an open area across the street. Social media, he said, has become a tool to call out others, or to quickly alert an ally to the location of a perceived enemy. 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Urbana, IL 444 contributions. Theres no question about that, and as a law enforcement officer, something Ive done for the last 24 years, I take it personally.. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Fiery tanker crash kills driver, burns Maryland homes, Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden. The individual was [], On June 5, 2021, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of Fifth Street and Beardsley Avenue for a reported shooting. . The bond on the warrant was set at $2 million. Nov. 12: Gerryontae Brown, 16, shot to death in his own home in the 600 block of East Eureka Street; Calvin Williams, 18, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. June 3, 2023. [23] However, they determined that there were 18 four-door Saturn Astras registered to owners in the Champaign County area. The investigation revealed that Hull had been physically assaulted, including sustaining multiple stab wounds. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument could be heard in the area immediately prior to an unknown suspect(s) firing numerous gun shots. Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 19; 3 still missing, Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals, China sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%', Can't take statins? in our local parks & preserves. They dont have a normal chain of command or a certain code like back in the late 1980s or 90s with the Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords where orders were given, things were done. Long denied bail for Christensen after hearing submissions from the prosecutor and Christensen's attorneys, Evan and Tom Bruno. Description: Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Roper for a reported armed home invasion. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. He also doesnt believe its a gang problem per se, but rather, allegiances among friends. CPD Detectives are dedicated to investigating every lead possible to help bring justice to individuals, families, and to our community when it is impacted by crime and violence. Location of Occurrence: 1200 block of Clock St., Champaign. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. 82 E. University Ave. Written by experts G. Gregory Haff and Charles Dumke, the text builds upon the success of the first edition with full-color images and the addition of . Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.. Feb. 23: Tenesha Jenkins, 34, beaten and smothered in her home in the 2200 block of Dale Drive, Champaign; Antoine Craig,38, of Champaign, awaiting trial for murder. 03/04/2023. 1001), "US police seek information on car where missing Chinese scholar last seen", "Federal jury finds Brendt Christensen guilty of kidnapping, slaying of Chinese scholar at U. of I. [44] Christensen was transferred to USP Coleman II in Florida in early 2020. Upon arrival, officers located Acarrie Ingram-Triner, 19, of Champaign, with a life-threatening gunshot wound to her lower neck. The quotes are taken from paragraph 24 of the Manganaro affidavit affixed to Criminal Complaint 17-MJ-7132, filed on June 30, 2017 in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Yingying Zhang (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: Zhng Yngyng) (December 21, 1990 June 9, 2017) was born in the city of Nanping, Fujian Province, to Ronggao Zhang and Lifeng Ye. Location of Occurrence: 1500 block of Hedge Rd., Champaign. Although an arrest has been made, this is still an active investigation. O'Connor killed a police officer and was scheduled to be executed when he escaped. 1:00pm. 2019 Aug 6, 2019; . Date of Occurrence: October 13, 2018, at approximately 1:30 a.m. Of 15 murders in Champaign County during 2020, the instrument of death for 12 of those people was a gun. Confirmed shootings, homicides: 2020 2019. An affidavit filed by an FBI agent said that in the audio recording, Christensen told his girlfriend he had brought Zhang back to his apartment and held her there against her will. [26] At the time of Zhang's murder, Christensen was in an open marriage, while also dating a girlfriend. 500 E. Peabody Dr. Champaign, Illinois 61820 . [19] On August 19, Zhang's mother and younger brother also flew to the United States. The 10 Murder Capitals Of Illinois For 2021 1. [], On July 1, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Champaign Police were called to the 100 Block of North State Street for the report of a robbery. A 21-year-old Champaign man was shot and killed early Sunday in north Champaign, the second homicide of 2019 in that city. 1. The investigation revealed Mr. Ledbetter was robbed and physically assaulted by three unknown assailants. The lobby was dark and smelled of cigarettes smoke. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouragedto call Champaign Police at 217-351- 4545. Five years later, it hit that record-setting number for both shootings and murders in the city. Police investigations Lt. Ben Newell credited really good investigative work by Detective Steve Vogel in closing what had been considered a cold case. Reginald Hardwick is the News & Public Affairs Director for the Illinois Newsroom. Freres revealed more details from the investigation not presented in the criminal complaint. While newly released FBI data shows a troubling increase in homicides in C-U, Illinois and the nation last year, some perspective is needed. 1. Ann L. Gibson, PhD, FACSM, is an associate professor and researcher in exercise science at the University of New Mexico, with research interests in body composition and physiological responses to exercise. Police plea for more witnesses of gun-related crime to come forward, something they say is a primary hindrance in solving cases. Location of Occurrence: 700 block of Hickory St., Champaign. Newell said that Vogel found that there was blood on Mr. Hobbs pants that appeared to have dropped straight down. Champaign police said Friday that Keonte Campbell, 35, who is currently serving a prison sentence for selling crack cocaine, has been charged with the fatal shooting of Dehrone Hobbs, 38. The number of homicides stood at 2 - a decrease of 5 compared to 2018. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio personality Kathy Reiser. ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WAND) - Authorities have arrested a suspect in a Champaign County homicide investigation. All but one of those victims were shot and killed and dozens more were injured. Champaign, IL 61820. The Virginia Theatre. Champaign, IL . Jackson is described as a Black male, 511, approximately 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Partly cloudy skies. Consider, for example, a Dec. 4 incident in which two men in a vehicle fired at Champaign County sheriffs deputies trying to stop their vehicle for speeding. Listen Now Cello12345. When questioned, Christensen reportedly claimed that he did not remember what he was doing at the time of Zhang's disappearance. 2021 End of Year Gun Violen by Neil Street, Its alarming, Champaign Deputy Chief Geoff Coon said. 7:00pm - 10:00pm. There was also a larger number of assaults at 356. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). Sgt. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. [26], Investigators interviewed Christensen on June 12, 2017, and inspected his car. Winter. My child wasnt perfect, no child is perfect. He believes social media is a factor. Previously, he was a news producer and manager at the NBC station in Dallas, where he won 7 Emmy awards. Pick the brain of veteran News-Gazette columnist Tom Kacich and veteran WDWS/WHMS radio employee Kathy Reiser. Christensen was tried and convicted of one count of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to agents of the FBI, but the jury deadlocked on whether or not to impose the death penalty. Location of Occurrence: 1100 block of S. Randolph St., Champaign. One of these vehicles was registered to Brendt Allen Christensen, a Champaign resident. AP / Macon County Sheriff's Office. That was no ordinary crime wave the United States experienced last year. [40][41], Following the trial, prosecutors revealed information about Zhang's remains that Christensen divulged through his attorneys in November 2018 under an immunity agreement. Super 8 by Wyndham in Champaign, IL. Description: Mr. Jackson was last seen by his family on November 26, 2011 after leaving home to run errands. . Dan Morgan, of the Urbana Police Department, is hopeful that new DNA evidence will lead to the person who killed 21-year-old University of . Not at a what I expected of a Wyndham Hotel property. The latter topped 2,014 in 2019. He was also sentenced to prison in 2011 for second-degree murder in the July 1, 2011, fatal shooting of Nathan Barker, 26, of Champaign, and in 2006 for possession of a controlled substance. As [], On November 12, 2020, at approximately 5:17 p.m., Champaign Police responded to the area of the 600 block of East Eureka Street for a reported shooting. St. Louis experienced its highest murder rate in 50 years. He started at WILL in October of 2019 after serving as News Director for WKAR in East Lansing, Michigan. In Illinois, the homicide rate was 9.1 per 100,000 people, the highest rate since 1996.